The Republic of Azerbaijan, whose cities will be described in the article, is a state in Transcaucasia, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The area of the territory is 86 thousand km², and the population is about 9 million people. The capital of the state is the city of Baku.
Azerbaijan is famous for its cultural historical values and unique nature. The state has many attractions that attract tourists from all over the world to these parts. The most visited cities are Baku, Ganja, Gabala, Sheki, etc. These are the ones that will be discussed in this article. Having received enough information about the cities, you can safely go on vacation in them or on an excursion. After all, the historical monuments here really amaze with their beauty and personify the spirit of the population.
Baku
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan. It is the most populated city in the state. It is considered a major industrial and cultural center of Transcaucasia, as well as an important port of the Caspian Sea. The population is more than 2 million people.
Baku is one of the most ancient eastern settlements in a country like Azerbaijan. Cities located onof this territory cannot boast such a great history. The first information that there is a settlement on the Absheron Peninsula dates back to the Middle Ages. Most likely, the city arose as a transit point on the Great Silk Road.
For several centuries in the history of Baku there were periods of ups and downs and serious crises, especially during the Soviet period. But at present, he has experienced a time of decline, which has affected the entire Republic of Azerbaijan. Baku city is a modern, technologically advanced international settlement. The list of sights of the capital is amazing: numerous museums and theaters, Muslim mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches, palaces built in the 15th century, one of the highest TV towers in the Caucasus, the state zoo and much more.
Ganja
Ganja in terms of population ranks second after the capital. The number of inhabitants is 1 million 200 thousand people. The settlement is located in the western part of the state, like some other influential centers of the country called Azerbaijan. Cities enjoy great economic influence here. Gayaja is no exception. Just like Baku, the settlement arose in the medieval period thanks to the constant flow of caravans of the Great Silk Road.
For many centuries passed from hand to hand. It was under the rule of the Seljuk Turks, Mongol-Tatars, the Safavid dynasty. Since 1803 the city became a part of the Russian Empire. And only at the beginning of the last century became part ofnewly formed state - Azerbaijan. Each historical period has left its legacy to the city. The most popular tourist routes pass through Khan Bagy Park, Juma Mosque, Chekyak Hamam, Javadkhan's tomb. No less popular and healing resort "Naftalan", located near Ganja.
Sheki
Sheki is a mountainous settlement of the Republic of Azerbaijan. There is no better city in this country. The area of the center is 1,500 thousand km², the population is 64 thousand people. This ancient city existed in the 8th century. BC, in the foothills of the Caucasus. Until 1968, it had a different name - Nukha. The average height of the settlement is in the range of 500-800 m above sea level.
Around it is a forest with numerous healing springs, waterfalls and clean air. These factors fundamentally affect the climate of the city. It's always cold here. Maximum summer temperatures reach limits of +25°C. Two rivers flow through the city - Gurjana and Kish. Of the monuments of historical architecture, it has preserved: the palace of the Sheki khans, the Juma mosque, the Sheki fortress, the minaret.
Gabala
The city of Gabala in Azerbaijan is a small settlement. Located in the northern part of the country. The population is only 13 thousand people. Being part of the Russian Empire, the city was called Kutkashen. The main economic development is tourism. Located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, in the gorge of the cave. The river Damiraparanchay flows along the city.
On the outskirts there are recreation areas ("Ai ishigy", "Sahil"), which are engaged in organizing hikes in the Caucasus. Many historical monuments have been preserved in such a state as Azerbaijan. For the most part, this is what attracts the cities of the republic. Gabala is no exception. It has preserved historical and archaeological sites dating back to the 10th and 18th centuries. Since 2009, the city has hosted an international music festival. Gabala also bears the title of the cultural capital of the CIS.
